Hint: This installer got their signals crossed.
Here’s another great submission from Stephen Pilling, director of operations for Reilly Electrical Contractors, Inc., in North Hampton, N.H. “This receptacle powered a washing machine in a local motel,” says Pilling.
It disheartens me to think that an installer believed this was compliant and safe. Using the equipment grounding conductor (EGC) in place of the grounded (neutral) conductor leaves any appliance plugged into this receptacle ungrounded, unbonded, and in violation of Sec. 250.4(A)(2) and Sec. 250.4(A)(3). It also creates objectionable current flow on the EGC, which is a violation of Sec. 250.6(A). Using a bare wire in place of the white wire violates Sec. 310.3(D), which generally requires conductors to be insulated unless specifically permitted to be bare. Having the energized wires and receptacle dangling out of the box is an extreme shock hazard and violates Sec. 110.27(A), which requires live parts to be guarded against accidental contact.
About the Author
Russ LeBlancRuss LeBlanc
Owner
Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.
Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.